Piccadilly Radio founder and veteran broadcaster Andy Peebles dies aged 76

Andy Peebles, the esteemed radio broadcaster and former BBC Radio 1 DJ, has passed away at the age of 76. A beloved voice in British radio, Peebles was instrumental in the founding of Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio and gained recognition as one of the last people to interview John Lennon before the musician’s tragic murder in 1980.

His family confirmed his passing yesterday.

RIP Andy Peebles

Born in 1948, Peebles began his career as a nightclub DJ in the late 1960s before transitioning to radio.

His passion for music and natural on-air charisma led him to BBC Radio Manchester in 1973, where he quickly became a well-known voice in the region. A year later, he played a pivotal role in the launch of the independent station Piccadilly Radio, where his Soul Train show became a standout success.

In 1978, Peebles joined BBC Radio 1, marking the start of a 14-year tenure that saw him become one of the station’s most respected broadcasters. His love of soul and R&B music shone through his shows, helping to introduce the genre to a wider UK audience. His presenting talents also extended to television, where he hosted several editions of Top of the Pops in the 1970s and 1980s.

The last John Lennon interview

Peebles made broadcasting history on 6th December 1980 when he sat down with John Lennon for what would become one of the musician’s final interviews. Just two days later, Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment.

Reflecting on that moment in later years, Peebles recalled being incredibly nervous before the interview, having grown up idolising The Beatles and their music. His connection with Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, continued after the tragedy, leading to a follow-up interview with her in Tokyo in 1983.

Andy Peebles at Radio 1

His career continued to flourish beyond Radio 1, with Peebles presenting for BBC Radio Lancashire, the British Forces Broadcasting Service, and the BBC World Service. In 1985, he was one of the presenters at Wembley Stadium’s legendary Live Aid concert, introducing acts such as David Bowie, Spandau Ballet, and Paul Young to the global audience.

News of his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from friends and former colleagues. Fellow broadcaster Mike Read expressed his devastation, describing Peebles as a man who “knew his music & cricket inside out,” while Tony Blackburn called him “a lovely man and a great broadcaster.”

Friend and radio executive John Simons also wrote: ‘So sad to hear the news about Andy Peebles passing. I’ll miss our long conversations about football and soul music, of which he was far more knowledgeable. There’s going to be a Quiet Storm in heaven tonight. RIP Andy.’

RIP Andy Peebles

Peebles’ contributions to radio and music broadcasting left an indelible huge impact on British music culture. His passion for music, coupled with his warm and authoritative presence on the airwaves, ensured he remained a cherished figure in the industry for over five decades.

What are your favourite memories of Andy? Let us know!